The numbers speak for themselves. His stats since making his debut back in 2004 speaks shear volumes. 22 titles in just over ten years with the Barcelona senior squad, none can deny Lionel Messi’s legendary status at the Camp Nou.
On Sunday, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner led the Blaugrana to the Vicente Calderon Stadium to clash with Atletico Madrid, knowing a win would be enough to seal them the Liga BBVA trophy in this season’s penultimate game.
The home side frustrated the Barcelona attack for most of the game, though Luis Enirque’s men had a few penalty shouts. However, none of this mattered, as La Pulga stepped up to the plate and scored the only goal of the night, in the 65th minute.
The Argentine’s second half strike, his 54th in all competitions and 41st in La Liga, was enough to wrap up the title race, handing Barcelona their 23rd Spanish Primera Division trophy. This latest trophy for Barcelona is the 22nd title Messi has won with the Catalan giants.
Messi's goal wins La Liga for Barcelona
FT: @Atleti 0-1 @FCBarcelona. Congratulations to the new @LaLiga champions! #MESSI pic.twitter.com/EecHFpRPuG
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) May 17, 2015
Coach Luis Enrique and captain Xavi were all hailed, but Twitter held special praise for Leo after what has been a remarkable season for the 27-year-old.
After a trophy-less campaign last term, rumors of a Camp Nou exit, and reports of a bitter rift with the manager, Messi has set the club on track to win the treble, with the club through to both the Copa del Rey and Champions League final.
Messi wins his 7th league title and his 22nd trophy with Barcelona pic.twitter.com/wypnly2Yd3
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) May 17, 2015
There is only one Leo Messi. pic.twitter.com/Qty0wRD4ZX
— infosmessi (@infosmessi) May 17, 2015
What a record breaking season it's turning out to be for Leo Messi. #WeAreMessi pic.twitter.com/x72bbxXlfZ
— Lionel Messi #10 (@WeAreMessi) May 17, 2015
Picture: Messi celebrating match and Liga winning goal #fcblive [via @mundodeportivo] pic.twitter.com/lxax8rpoGU
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 17, 2015
Image: 7 Liga titles for Xavi, Messi and Iniesta in the last 11 season #fcblive [fcb] pic.twitter.com/6WTvCMNrnm
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 17, 2015
Messi be like: pic.twitter.com/BcRtWujOfy
— SportsNation (@SportsNation) May 17, 2015
#Messi's goal was his 54th of the season in 54 total games, and his 41st in his 37th La Liga game! ATM 0 - 1 FCB #FCBLive #AtletiFCB
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 17, 2015
Congratulations to @FCBarcelona, and specifically to Lucho #Enrique after so much criticism, on winning La Liga. pic.twitter.com/3a9kS07qXh
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) May 17, 2015
4th - Luis Enrique is the 4th Spanish manager to have won La Liga title for @FCBarcelona (Vilanova, Guardiola & Josep Samitier). Lucho.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 17, 2015
Xavi has now won La Liga 8 times: 1998/99 2004/05 2005/06 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2012/13 2014/15 What a career! pic.twitter.com/hCQBvqRXXh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 17, 2015
13 - @FCBarcelona have claimed more La Liga titles than any other side in those championships with 20 teams. Power. pic.twitter.com/CzKvxLPORt
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 17, 2015
Atletico Madrid won La Liga at the Camp Nou on May 17th 2014. Barcelona won La Liga at the Vicente Calderon on May 17th 2015.
— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) May 17, 2015
Many compare Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, but that is of no importance. Everyone can rest assure that the Albiceleste captain is one of the best players to have ever graced the beautiful game.